The Power of Showing Up: A Story of Lasting Impact
Dakota first started coming to our center when he was in sixth grade. Now in eighth grade, his journey has been anything but easy. After his mom left, Dakota moved in with his grandfather and experienced a lot of instability. At school, he began getting into trouble and struggled to find his footing.
But something powerful happens when a young person is surrounded by consistent support.
Through the partnership between our team and Dakota’s school, we were able to create structure and accountability for him. Slowly but surely, his behavior began to change. Dakota started showing up consistently, every day for drop-in and every Tuesday for Club. He participated, engaged in conversations, and began remembering the stories and lessons we talked about each week.
Before he moved away, we were able to give Dakota a Bible of his own. He shared that he had already begun reading it.
Then last week, unexpectedly, Dakota’s mom decided to move him away from the community he had been part of for the past few years.
We said goodbye on Friday.
When Club started this Tuesday, I received a call from a number I didn’t recognize. When I looked closer, I realized there were text messages from Dakota. I called him back.
“Hey Dakota, how are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m doing good,” he said. “Just here… kind of bored.”
I asked if he had started school yet.
“Not yet,” he said. Then he paused and added, “Actually, I was calling because I wanted to know what today’s message was.”
Even though Dakota had moved away, he still remembered that Tuesdays meant Club. Tuesdays meant hearing about God. Tuesdays meant a place where he belonged.
So he called to find out what he was missing.
Moments like this remind us that what happens here matters more than we sometimes realize. The consistency, the relationships, and the message of hope we share each week are planting seeds in the lives of young people.
Dakota may no longer be physically here, but the impact of this community is still reaching him.
And that’s the power of showing up.
Empowering Middle & High School Youth Across Kitsap & North Mason Counties
At Campus Life, we walk alongside middle school and high school students right where they are. Through our free drop-in centers, we create safe, welcoming spaces for youth to connect with background-checked, trained mentors over games, snacks, tutoring, and life-changing conversations about faith and purpose. Whether through our regular school-year programs, summer camp, or seasonal events, we are dedicated to building authentic relationships across Kitsap and North Mason counties.
Partner with Us to Impact Local Students
Transformation happens when community members step up together. You can partner with us to support local youth outreach, volunteer as a mentor, or help fuel our programs in Poulsbo and Bremerton.
Visit or Connect with Our Drop-In Centers:
The Next Door Center (Poulsbo): 1779 NE Hostmark St, Poulsbo, WA 98370
The Underground Center (Bremerton): 7555 Old Military Road NE, Bremerton, WA 98337
The Westside Center (Bremerton): 1211 Veneta Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
